Two more people lost their lives to the unregulated toxic drug supply in 91原创 last month, bringing the total to nine.

Across the province, 177 people died in February due to 鈥渟uspected unregulated drug deaths,鈥� according to the most recent BC Coroners Service report.

This represents an 11 per cent decrease in the number of deaths compared to February 2023, and a 12 per cent decrease compared to January this year.

But the high number in one month still equates to approximately 6.1 deaths per day in February in the province.

Of the 177 deaths in B.C., 70 per cent were aged 30 to 59, and 72 per cent were male.

Additionally, 86 per cent of unregulated drug deaths occurred indoors, and 13 per cent occurred outside in vehicles, sidewalks, parks, and streets.

In response to the release of the latest report, Jennifer Whiteside, minister of mental health and addictions, said the toxic drug supply is 鈥渁 testament to the relentless challenges we face in this crisis.鈥�

鈥淭o the families and friends who have faced the unimaginable, and to the communities that have been pierced time and again by these tragedies, know that your grief is seen and shared. I have been moved by the stories and struggles I鈥檝e heard, by the love and the pain in your voices. As we approach the eighth anniversary of this public-health emergency, we are reminded that our commitment to each person鈥檚 right to life and safety remains as firm as ever.鈥�

In February, the provincial government released details about its Budget 2024, which included a commitment of $117 million for mental health and substance use services.

Experts have estimated that about 225,000 people in B.C. use unregulated drugs, while 100,000 of those have opioid-use disorder.

READ ALSO: 7 lives lost to unregulated drug supply in 91原创 last month

IN OTHER NEWS: BC cops target 鈥榤ost wanted鈥� car thieves in 91原创, Surrey, and Vancouver Island